REVIEW: SIX AT THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE, BELFAST

Girl Power with a crown on it!

Who knew the six wives of Henry VIII could bring the house down? Six arrived at the Grand Opera House in a blaze of neon lights, rhinestones, and riotous energy and and from start to finish, it was pure, unapologetic girl power.

This slick, 90-minute show (no interval, no filler) turns history on its head, transforming the famously doomed Tudor queens into pop divas with voices, attitude, and stories of their own. The cast was phenomenal, each queen taking her moment to shine: LaSasha Aldredge opened the show with regal authority as Catherine of Aragon; Yna Montarde’s cheeky Anne Boleyn had us laughing out loud; and Emily Dawson’s Heart of Stone stopped time, a vocal performance so powerful it gave me goosebumps.

Alexia McIntosh delivered the hilarious Get Down with sass and swagger, while Sammy Timbers’ Katherine Howard added a sharp dose of tragedy behind the glamour. And Layla Chivandire wrapped things up as a wise and warm Catherine Parr, giving the show real heart.

My standout moment was Haus of Holbein, complete with rave lighting and glowstick vibes, a surreal, strobe-lit spectacle that had the whole theatre buzzing.

It’s fast, fun, feminist and fiercely clever, and, I have to say, I learned more about these women in 90 minutes than I ever did in school. Whether you’re a history buff or just in the mood for a great night out, Six is a must-see.

www.goh.co.uk